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Sunday, September 5, 2010

The Spartan Obliteration: Tide Drowns SJSU

In what could only be described as a “glorified exhibition,” the Alabama Crimson Tide defeated the San Jose State Spartans by a score of 48-3 to open the 2010 season.

The absence of Tide running back Mark Ingram (knee) virtually went unnoticed as several backs filled the void with great success.

Trent Richardson (Ingram’s primary backup) rushed for 66 yards and two touchdowns, scoring on runs of 4 and 39 yards. Richardson was also on the receiving end three times, for a total of 46 yards.

Redshirt freshman Eddie Lacy led the Tide in rushing with 111 yards. Lacy scored two touchdowns against San Jose State which proved as redemption following an early fumble which went into the end zone for a touchback.

The third running back in the rotation, Demetrius Goode, also had a solid game with 66 yards on the ground.

When the clock hit zero the Crimson Tide had amassed a total of 334 yards of rushing offense.

At the quarterback position, both Greg McElroy and A.J. McCarron had solid performances.

McElroy finished the game completing 13 of 15 passes for a total of 218 yards. The highlight of the game for the Tide starter was a 48-yard touchdown pass to Marquis Maze in the initial half of play.

Backup quarterback A.J. McCarron threw his first touchdown pass of his Alabama career against SJSU and Tide wide receiver Julio Jones made it a play to remember.

In what can only be described as “highlight reel material,” Jones made a sensational one-handed catch for a 29-yard touchdown.

Jones, who finished the night with six catches for 93 yards, would later say the one-handed touchdown reception was the best catch of his career.

While the touchdown strike was the most paramount highlight for McCarron, the Tide quarterback would go on to throw for 116 yards in his Alabama debut.

In all total, Alabama had 591 yards of total offense against the Spartans.

Granted the opponent was not “SEC caliber”…but the Alabama defense was solid as well. The Tide only allowed the Spartans 175 yards of total offense.

New starting safety Robert Lester intercepted SJSU quarterback Jordan La Secla during the first half of play. The interception was certainly a positive sign for a young secondary which was the talk of preseason camp.

Another positive from an otherwise “humdrum” contest was the Alabama kicking game.

Cade Foster handled the kickoff duties (with great success) and connected on field goals of 41 and 24 yards.

Jeremy Shelley handled the majority of extra point attempts and was also successful.

In the punting department, walk-on Cody Mandell had an excellent outing. Mandell had a total of three punts for a 40.7 yard average. Mandell’s first two punts were 52 yards each.

Punter Jay Williams, who is also vying for the job, did not see action against San Jose State.

On the injury front, linebacker Courtney Upshaw suffered an ankle sprain against SJSU. However, the injury is considered minor and Upshaw will be ready for action against Penn State.

When all was said and done, 101,821 fans left Bryant-Denny with a smile as the Crimson Tide moved to 1-0 on the season.